NTSB finds black box in Belle Glade plane crash that killed 9 family members

Federal investigators have recovered the black box from the 2023 Ford Explorer that crashed and capsized in a canal earlier this month, resulting in the drowning of nine family members.

Nearly three weeks after the August 5 crash, WPTV continues to push for answers as to why the driver lost control on a nearly 90-degree curve on Hatton Highway near Belle Glade.

Six of the nine fatalities were young children between the ages of one and 14. WPTV has stayed in touch with relatives who said the family had come to Florida from Connecticut, Virginia and Jamaica for a birthday party.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened an investigation on August 6. Federal investigators confirmed that the on-site investigation was completed on August 10 and the SUV will be stored in Palm Beach County while the investigation continues.

The NTSB said it recovered an accident data recorder – commonly referred to as a black box – from the airbag control module (ACM), but it is too early to know what data will be available.

“The device was submerged in water and [it] It will take some time before we see if the data can be recovered,” the agency said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the ACM could provide important pre-impact data, including sudden changes in speed, engine status and information from the vehicle's sensors.

Ford responds to NTSB request

WPTV spoke to family members of the victims who said the crash's sole survivor, Jorden Hall, asked questions about possible problems with the steering wheel in the moments before the crash.

Ford's website states that there are eight different recalls for the 2023 Explorer, but it is not known if the affected SUV is one of them.

In February, Ford launched a recall because of a strut bolt that may be missing or tightened with the wrong torque, which can lead to an increased risk of accidents during sudden steering movements due to changes in steering force and steering pull.

The NTSB confirmed that it had interviewed Ford employees about “vehicle factors.” However, the NTSB has not yet asked Ford to participate in its investigation.

“Only organizations or entities that can provide expertise to the investigation will be granted party status, and only individuals who can provide us with the necessary technical or specialized expertise will be permitted to cooperate in the investigation,” the NTSB's website states. “Individuals in legal or litigation positions may not be assigned to the investigation.”

A Ford spokesman said the company was aware of the Belle Glade accident and the subsequent investigation.

“We are aware of this incident and extend our deepest condolences to those involved,” the spokesman said. “The exact facts of this incident are not yet clear. Safety is a top priority for all of us at Ford and we will fully cooperate with any resulting investigations,” the spokesman said.

According to Ford, the maximum seating capacity is five passengers for a 2023 Ford Explorer with two rows of seats and seven passengers for the three-row model.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, there were 10 family members in the SUV at the time of the accident and no one was wearing a seatbelt.

The PBCSO is assisting with the investigation. The NTSB said it will independently analyze the facts to determine the cause. A preliminary report is expected in the next few weeks.

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